If you want to cook some of your own meals and have comforts like on-site laundry facilities, Shellcrest (669 Jefferson Ave., 901/523-0226, www.shellcrest.com, $160) is a good choice. This handsome redbrick town house is about six blocks east of downtown. It is designed to be an extended-stay hotel—most leases are for at least one month. But if they have a vacancy and you are looking to stay for at least three nights, the owners will accommodate short-term guests at a rate of $160 per night. You get a lot for your money; the accommodations are in spacious one-bedroom apartments with a parlor, sunroom, and study, as well as a gourmet kitchen where you can cook your own meals.

The Holiday Inn–University of Memphis (3700 Central Ave., 901/678-8200, $150–160) is part of the university’s hospitality school. All rooms are suites, with a wet bar and microwave, sitting room, and spacious bathrooms. The lobby contains an exhibit on Kemmons Wilson, the Memphis-born founder of Holiday Inn who is credited with inventing the modern hotel industry. It is located about six miles from downtown Memphis.